Drugstore makeup has come a long way, offering high-quality products that rival the most expensive department-store brands. Here are 15 cult-favorite drugstore makeup products that could potentially outperform their department-store counterparts:
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
Maybelline is a drugstore classic as the brand offers excellent value for money for people on a budget. The ‘Age Rewind Concealer” offers coverage for dark circles and blemishes with a blendable formula that applies smoothly and brightens the under-eye area. Feedback from users comments on the level of coverage without it being too thick and powdery, as some concealers can be.
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
L’Oreal is another champion of the budget makeup market with a collection of high-profile ambassadors such as Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lopez. Their ‘Voluminous Lash’ mascara delivers dramatic volume and length to lashes due to its thick brush and rich formula. Fans love how light the mascara feels and how it does not clump as much as other budget mascaras.
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream
NYX is a brand that has elevated drugstore beauty. Their matte lip cream is designed to be a long-wearing liquid lipstick that provides a beautiful, soft-matte finish. The lip cream has a wide range of shades to suit all complexions and retails for around $7.
Milani Baked Blush
Milani ‘Baked Blush’ is a cult-favorite blush with a unique baking process to create a silky-smooth texture and buildable color. The blush is easy to use on the go and can quickly add a splash of color to your cheeks throughout the day.
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
This drugstore highlighter delivers a radiant, buildable glow that flatters all skin tones. At approximately $6, Wet n Wild products are great for everyday makeup, with users commenting how great the gow is and how light the powder feels on their face.
e.l.f. Putty Primer
“Velvety” and “hydrating” pop up in reviews for e.l.f. “Putty Primer.” The primer provides a smooth, matte canvas for makeup application and is particularly helpful at minimizing pores and controlling shine. e.l.f. is known for offering cruelty-free and vegan makeup products at a fraction of the price of high-end brands, which is why the brand is very popular with young people.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
Budget beauty fans need more of the natural glow this tinted moisturizer provides. If you have dry skin but want to wear makeup daily, Neutrogena’s “Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint” offers lightweight hydration and a touch of sheer, buildable coverage with a natural look.
Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon Lipstick
Maybelline is on to another winner with its long-wearing lipstick crayon, which delivers a bold, matte finish. Users love the lipstick’s lightweight feel, almost making them feel like they have nothing on their lips. Once the application lasts hours, it is of great value for money, coming in at around $8.
Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal Eyeliner
Rimmel is a famous UK brand that has fans all over the world. Their brand is fun and fresh and offers modern looks for a fraction of designer prices. This eyeliner pencil glides on smoothly for easy application and delivers rich, long-lasting color with minimal smudging.
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Single in “Brulle”
This universally flattering eyeshadow shade is perfect for creating various eye looks, from natural to dramatic. Reviewers say that the eyeshadow retains its color and reacts well to rain, meaning there’s no need to reapply throughout the day.
NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Setting Spray
Setting spray can help you keep makeup fresh all day and night, limiting the need to top it up. This NYX setting spray is lightweight but helps keep makeup in place all day, even in hot or humid weather.
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray
Another popular setting spray is Milani’s “Make It Last Setting Spray.” Drugstore-setting sprays are arguably just as good as high-end brands, and the Milani offering gives a flawless finish for around $13.
Maybelline Face Studio Master Chrome Highlighter Stick
When you need a little brightening, it should not have to cost the earth. This Maybelline highlighter stick delivers a buildable, metallic glow that adds dimension and radiance to the face.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss
This liquid lipstick combines a gloss’s shine with a matte lipstick’s staying power. Reviewers say that the lipstick is “gloriously creamy,” while not as long-lasting as other matte lipsticks, it offers excellent coverage for several hours.
Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Lipstick
Another liquid lipstick leading the way in the drugstore beauty world is Wet n Wild’s Megalast Liquid Lipstick. The product offers a wide range of bold, statement-making shades with comfort that fans can collect, as it is so reasonably priced.